Kurzfassung in Englisch

Economic, social, legal and ecological consequences of human land use are analyzed based on three integrated studies in the State of Sucre located in the Northeast of Venezuela. The studies focused on the potential of the forestry sector for the regional economy (Lux), on the forest use of local rural communities at household level (Valqui Haase), and on types and stages of plant succession as a consequence of human land use (Silva). Existing vegetation types were analyzed, described, and related to specific forms of human impact. Their potential for agriculture, forest products, and other uses was assessed. Some secondary forests were part of big cacao and coffee haciendas. All other forests were part of a system of migratory, slash- and burn agriculture, the so-called 'conucos'. Forest products are only used to a very limited extend and do not have a major role in local economies. Alternatives to the harvest of wood in cacao or coffee haciendas are to be found in the residual primary forest patches, immature secondary forests or to a lesser extend in areas covered with low forest scrub. Basically all primary forests are located in protected areas or in regions where access is difficult. Use of these remaining primary forests should be restricted as they represent unique eco-systems with a high grade of endemic species. As our research results indicate, alternative possibilities to satisfy demands of wood and non-wood products from other forest types exist. Empirical data on the forestry sector in the State of Sucre revealed a marketing potential for an increasing quantity of timber. However, legal restrictions and prevailing land tenure concepts have undermined the development of this sector. In order to foster and encourage timber extraction and harvesting of other forest products, and to optimize processing and marketing of these products, legal and administrative frames need to be reformed accordingly.